Treat Yourself To An Afternoon Out At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

You Can Spend Hours Antiquing At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut

Where can you go antiquing when it is raining out ? Since I am not a big fan of sloshing around in mud and heavy rain showers ...I head to a large indoor Antique Mall where I can entertain myself for an afternoon.

Check Out Kitsch n Stuff

I'll even go to the Antique Mall where my own shop Kitsch n Stuff is located and instead of fussing with my booth I put on my shopper hat and go antiquing! On these days, I act like a customer walking up and down the aisles pretending I haven't seen some of these booths before.

You Won't Leave The Collinsville Antiques Company Without Some Goodies

The truth is, that even if you are very familiar with a particular Multi-dealer store, dealers are always bringing in new things and each time you stroll an Antique Mall you are bound to find something new. I have yet to leave The Collinsville Antiques Company without a few new items.

Stay For Lunch At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

At The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT you can shop unit you drop and then revive yourself with an amazing lunch in their in house Retro style cafe. After lunch you can take a few more runs around the store and return to the cafe for Buck's ice cream . Buck's ice cream has been around since 1949 and is a New England favorite.

Visit The Antique Mall Group On I Antique Online.com

But what if you li9ve too far away to pop into The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.? What else can you do? Where else can you go ? The answer is easy....jump online to I Antique Online.com and visit our Antique Mall Group .

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

"Stoop Sales" In Brooklyn

In Search Of The Best "Stoop Sales" in Brooklyn To Find Antiques And Collectibles

Thirty plus years ago I bopped around Long Island attending "garage or yard sales". Then I moved to New England and had to adapt to the term "tag sales". Now I am back in New York visiting the kids and I am introduced to "stoop sales", especially when I am poking around in Brooklyn.

Schlepping Around Brooklyn's Brownstones

The first time I saw a "stoop sale" in action, I had a hearty laugh. Oh my...how much could you fit on a stoop? And where do you park to attend a "stoop sale". I mean, during my last soiree to Park Slope, by the time I found a parking spot for lunch, it was time for dinner.

Stumbling On A Groovy Stoop Sale

So now let's say while looking for a place to have a nice lunch, you are fortunate enough to stumble upon a few groovy "stoop sales"....what on earth would you even do with the goodies that you might want to buy? Tell me, how exactly do buyers schlepp their STUFF to their cars that might easily be parked 12 blocks away? Or what about the young couples without cars?

Oh, the joy of living in suburbia, where you can drive right up to a "tag sale" to haul away your mother load.

Where to Find "Stoop Sales"

But when in Brooklyn, you do need to get used to junking on concrete .....so follow your nose to the Brownstones where the "stoop sales" are held. Before I continue...did I mention my fear of high places? I'm not a big fan of climbing up too high to go "picking" for antiques and collectibles.

Basically I am afraid of height...unless of course we are taking about Brooklyn Heights or Prospect Height where many of these "stoop sales" are popping up. Luckily, my acrophobia relaxes when I'm out hunting for bargains. It is amazing how one can quell a little anxiety when distracted by a good "stoop sale"!

By the way, you will also find lots of "stoop sales" in Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens and Ditmas & Prospect Park. See resources below for more info.

Displaying Your Stuff At A Stoop Sale

"Stoop Sales" are generally artistically staged with the items for sale displayed on the steps leading to the "stoop" or other objects such as clothing and textiles draped or hung over iron gates and railings. Many "stoop sales" spill over to the "sidewalk" at the base of the steps which led to the stoop ...but still the term "stoop sale" is used and not "sidewalk sale" ...go figure. Anyway you map out your turf, there isn't a lot of room.

Which Junk Needs A Permit?

Folks in Brooklyn can get a bit competitive about who has a true "stoop sale" and who is running a street business without a permit. I guess it boils down to how diversified your junk is. A lot of the same junk every week is a business, an occasional exhibition of your old dishes, books and lamps seems to qualify as a true "stoop sale" and the police seem to be more tolerant.

Resources About Stoop Sales

Stoop Sales. Com

http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/gms/brk?query=stoop+sale&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/sections/classifieds/cat/Merchandise

How To Hold A Successful Stoop Sale

How To Hold A Stoop Sale

What Are The Best Neighborhoods For Stoop Sales?

Photos courtesy of http://www.brooklynflea.com/2008/07/page/2/ and http://toddnodd.blogspot.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting Jim Brunelle's Art Studio At The Farmington Valley Art Center, Avon, CT

Jim Brunelle, Retro-Chic-Quirky Pottery And Mixed Media

What can I say about Jim Brunelle's art studio at the Farmington Valley Art Center in Avon, CT ? His studio is just like him.....filled with ENERGY....color......creativity and retro chic quirky objets d' art. You would totally guess that you have just set foot in Jim's studio, an accomplished potter, mixed media artist and art educator. His art space sings with excitement as Jim has created vibrant vignettes of his contemporary style pottery and paintings.

Jim Brunelle Art Icon In Avon, CT

Jim Brunelle is what many would consider an art icon in this region. He has been here, there, and everywhere. Jim knows every one in the art world and can be found every morning, afternoon and even at night buzzing around The Farmington Valley Art Center keeping this suburban art mecca
rich with gallery openings, classes and special events.

A Look At Jim Brunelle's Studio 11a

Recently with the opening of "Art On The Line" in the Main gallery, Jim was motivated to completely re-do his own studio which can be found on the first floor. I mean, company was coming to FVAC and Jim and Michael knew drastic measures were in order to zap the studio into guest ready mode.

Loving The Retro Turquoise Formica Table

I snapped some photos of his delightful ceramics, mixed media pieces and studio furnishings. Don't you love how he has his work staged on an old 1950's Formica and chrome table? Love it....love it...love it!
Farmington Valley Art Center
25 Arts Center Lane
Avon, CT
860-678-1876


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Moving To A Condo: Motivation To Start The Clean Out

Downsizing Your House When The Kids Move Out

I have been in a downsizing mode since the last kid went off to college. But here is the kicker, my kids think our home is a place for storage while they have these cute smaller apartments in the city.
Every time I think I have straightened out the basement or the upstairs closets, a new load of stuff seems to arrive from my adult kids.

Basement Stuffed With Everyone's "Storage"

Whenever I speak about moving to a condo, my friends ask me how on earth I will manage when I have so much stuff in my basement. Besides the kids "storage" items, I have craft supplies up the kazoo and boxes filled with "antiques" and "collectibles" aka " the stuff that I am having a hard time selling".

Motivating Yourself To Clean Out The Basement

So the cycle continues...every few months I make an effort to go down to the basement and tidy it up. One season I actually declared that I was going to actually move into a condo! (I'm still in the big house) . But the idea of a condo motivated me to really do a very serious clean out of my basement.

Supervising The BIG CLEAN OUT

What exactly did I accomplish when my friend Pam came over to supervise this BIG CLEAN OUT ?
Well we got rid of a box of wrapping paper and donated some books to the Goodwill store. Now when I need a piece of wrapping paper I am at a loss...it's gone.......what was I thinking?

For some great help on estate liquidation, visit Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates and downsizing parents.

Photos courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife Series: Caring For "Galoshes" And Other Bad Weather Apparel

Advice From A Collectible Homemaker's Handbook: "Keeping Your Galoshes, Rubber Boots And Raincoat in Tip Top Shape"

Yes indeed there are still folks who wear galoshes and who worry about keeping their rubber boots, umbrellas and raincoats in tip top shape. I consulted a vintage booklet called "Worcester Telegram Homemaker's Handbook (1940s or 1950s?) to help my thrifty readers learn more about "Bad Weather Apparel".

Rubber Boots

To store rubber boots, pack the inside of each boot with tissue paper. Cover the outside with castor oil and store in a dry dark corner of a closet or cellar. Never store in the attic or near hot water or steam.
Mending Galoshes

Torn galoshes can be mended as follows: Use black or tan adhesive tape as a mending tissue. It is easy to apply and will hold securely if the work is carefully done.

Cleaning Rubber Raincoats

To clean a rummer raincoat, use lukewarm water and white soap. Wipe off with clear water and hang out to dry. Never use benzine or gasoline on rubber.

Rusted Umbrella

Clean the rust spots off with fine steel wool or a good cleaner. Then apply a little vaseline to the hinge to protect the framework from rust. When drying, so not open, but place handle side down in umbrella stand to dry. This prevents water from settling in the rib joints and causing rust.

Washing Galoshes

Just put them in the washing machine. Wash them thoroughly, rinse in warm water and dry in a warm place. They will come through unharmed and clean inside and out.

Children's image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/claudiasfinds?ref=seller_info

Photos of postcards courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mioritza?ref=pr_shop_more

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Moving Mom And Dad Into An Assisted Living Apartment: What To Take

Transitioning To An Assisted Living Apartment: Tips About Setting Up A New Home

If someone gave me the option to downsize and move into a lovely Assisted Living Residence with three delicious meals prepared for me and afternoon tea, bingo and field trips...I would sign up in a flash. In fact my kids know that my wish would be to find such a place near the ocean. In 25 years from now, that would be a dream come true for me. But for many elderly people who are at that juncture right now, moving to an Assisted Living development is not an easy sell.

When An Assisted Living Arrangement Makes Sense

Most older adults want to stay right where they are, in their family home with all the comforts that they are accustomed to. The idea of packing up a three or four bedroom home and downsizing to a small one or two bedroom apartment in an Assisted Living residence is an idea which is usually rejected at first by most older adults.

For some healthier seniors, a good solution might really be to remain in their own home with private home health aides or to move in with adult children. But these arrangements may not work for all. Let's be honest, for many ailing older adults or elderly folks with dementia, a smaller and safer environment along with 24-7 supervision and nursing care options is really a much better plan. This is when Assisted Living arrangements make the most sense.

Try Out The Assisted Living Arrangement First

If you are an adult child helping to care for your adult parent, you may find yourself in the position of transitioning your loved one to smaller quarters such as an apartment in an Assisted Living complex. Most highly respected places allow you to try out their facility with a short term stay such as 1-3 months or longer. Most places generally have furnished apartments to try out before you actually commit to a move. This is a good idea for both your parents and for you. You will get a chance to test out the arrangement.

Moving Into An Assisted Living Apartment

Now let's say you are pleased with the facility and you would like to actually downsize and help your parent(s )move into this facility. What should you bring/ Should you start from scratch and buy all new furniture and accessories? Or should you bring mom or dad's old furniture?

What You Should Bring To An Assisted Living Apartment?

Here is what I have discovered....these apartments are generally very small. They can not handle large bedroom sets, big China closets, huge dining room sets , big old couches. What might make sense is to select certain cherished pieces and integrate them with some new smaller furnishings.

Trading In Your Couch For Two Comfy Chairs

One couple I recently met showed me their downsized apartment. They traded in a couch for two comfy matching leather chairs, each with a foot rest. This arrangement allowed them more room and flexibility to move the chairs as needed. They did however bring all their favorite paintings and photographs which hang in their living room and second bedroom.

Think Carefully About Your Bed Arrangement

Another resident I was introduced to at an area Assisted Living residence brought a few pieces from her bedroom set, along with her lamps, but decided to order a new full size bed to replace her very old tired mattress and over sized bed frame. For couples where one or both members are ill, I strongly suggest buying two twin beds. Trust me, you will find this arrangement much more practical when nursing needs increase such as Oxygen or bed baths etc.

Re-Creating That Cozy Feeling

It is important to help older adults make the best transition they can to a new residence. It is critical for them to feel as much at home in the new place as the can. Bringing special items from home will help make the adjustment that much easier!

For some great help on estate liquidation, visit Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates and downsizing parents.

Photos taken at Seymour Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Helping Older Parents Pack Up Their House

Tips For Adult Children On How To Help Mom And Dad Downsize Their Home

What adult child doesn't strategize on how they will go to their parent's home and dump all the junk accumulated in the basement, garage, attic, shed etc. Not to mention the treasures hidden away in the closet, drawers and extra bedroom? I mean who wouldn't want to inherit 74 million rubber bands, 10 tons of plastic grocery bags, a hundred pounds of plastic bag ties? Now that is a cache that anyone one of us would scheme to get our hands on.

Sorting Out Junk From Heirlooms

And if the adult children and grandchildren don't fuss over who is inheriting the rubber bands or twist ties, I'm sure outside companies who clean out houses would compete for the bid to cart out such heirlooms?

When Are Household Items Ready To Become Compose?

And what about all the olive green and orange plastic housewares bought at the neighborhood Cheap store? Isn't that worth a mint? Or what's the deal on the stained, moth eaten, soggy soiled linens which have been growing moss for the last 60 years...aren't they collectible? Sure they are...to a farmer looking for compose!

Helping Older Adults Understand What Is Collectible ?

The first step in helping older folks downsize or liquidate an estate is to help them understand what has value and what does not. How do you accomplish this goal?

On the Job Training
I say you need to do some on the job training. That's right leave the parent home ....with the parent(s) and go on a field trip. Follow me on this one. First visit the bathroom , then grab the walker, the sweater, the jacket, the Kleenex and the bottle of extra water and head out the door to a nearby well established Antique Mall or large group shop.

Visit An Antique Mall As A Field Trip

I actually took a family member out for a little car ride to the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT where I have a shop called "Kitsch n Stuff". My theory was that if I walked around the store (very slowly) with my family member, I could begin to give her an idea about what she has that might be collectible and what the market values are on such objects.

Are Their Price Guides For Grocery Bags?

Another starting point is to visit a library and take out price guides on antiques and collectibles to become more familiar with the range and values of collectible items. Right now my husband and his mom are reviewing a book on old tools. While you can't become an expert over night, I guarantee you that there are no price guides on plastic bags from Waldbaums, Stop And Shop, Publix, Wegmans, Winn-Dixie etc.

For some real help on estate liquidation, visit Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates.

Photos taken at Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Cleaning Out Mom's House:

When Baby Boomers Are Faced With Cleaning Out Mom's House

What's worse than cleaning out your own basement or garage ?.....it's cleaning out mom's house. Ask any baby boomer who is faced with this job what they think about the challenge and I bet you will hear a lot of kvetching (yiddish for complaining). And if you want to be kind to your owns kids (who will be cleaning out YOUR house...now is the time for all of us baby boomers to get a handle on our own piles of junk....oh I mean family "treasures".

Cleaning Out Mom's House: The Family Drama

Often the decision to clean out a family member's home comes after a trying time such as a long illness or passing on of a loved one. This is always a very difficult time and layered with all kinds of family drama .....let's be honest here...it ain't easy! In fact to be true to my kitschy self.... let's face it, we all could fill up a lot of hours of Reality T.V. discussing what goes on in families when everyone is maxed out.

Kitchen Shrink Advice About Liquidations

When families are operating on high adrenaline, they tend to rush into too many decisions. You will often see well intended siblings move in too quickly to "organize' mamas things. Here is a bit of Kitchen Shrink free advice......go slowly.....give everyone a chance to absorb their feelings and to work out the inevitable family dynamics.

Resist The Urge To Dive Into The Cleaning Out Mode

Many people falsely conclude that the activity of "clearing out stuff" can somehow magically "get rid of the heavy emotional load" that all mourners carry. I have seen many people dive into the "clean out" mode way before they were really psychologically ready to disperse of or get rid of family mementos and years of accumulation. What's the real rush? Chill.....take your time, you'll thank me.

Advice from An Antiques Dealer

As an antique and collectibles dealer, I of course love to discover fresh estate sales or to advise families about cleaning out mom's house. But as someone who has had to pack up my own family member's belongings, I would say to others to resist the urge to "get rid of stuff too soon".

Consider Packing Belonging In Plastic Boxes And Waiting To Disperse

Perhaps an important interim step might be to buy some large plastic storage boxes and sort out what you have first labeling all your boxes for later review. When the time comes to disperse them to family members or sell some of your things or to give them away to charity, you might want to consult Estate Mavens on I Antique Online.com. This is a group forum that I initiated to help others cope with managing estates.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Social Networking For Antique Dealers

Are You A Clueless Computer Person Who Loves to Antique?

On a recent visit to Brimfield, the super star of all open air Flea Markets, I polled numerous antique dealers about their computer habits. Believe it or not, a very large amount of people I talked with said they felt they were really behind the times when it came to being computer savvy. Antique dealers come in all varieties but many dealers who grew up in the 40s or 50s are not rushing to get into social media circles. They prefer sitting in front of their tents selling their antiques and collectibles the old fashioned way. If only they knew what they might be missing.

I Antique Online.com Is The Facebook of The Antique World

In fact many older antique dealers told me that they needed to recruit adult children or grandchildren to help them launch an online store or to keep up with an antique website. They all said they needed a lot of computer support to get by. When I invited many of these antique dealers who were selling at Brimfield to join I Antique Online.com, (The Facebook of the antique world), they retreated and seemed too nervous to hear more.

Social Networking Is A Piece Of Cake

But here is the scoop....you need not be computer savvy to use I Antique Online.com. You don't even need a grandchild to help you get started on I Antique Online.com Signing up to the largest social network on antiques and collectibles is a piece of cake. You can do it! I did it and I am about as computer clueless as they come.

Antiques And Chocolate

If you are an antique dealer you will LOVE social networking. Trust me....antiquing on I Antique Online.com is as much fun as sneaking into the kitchen at midnight for a piece of chocolate!

Photos courtesy of Queen Anne Antiques, Cannton, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Learn How To Promote And Market Your Antique Business Without Spending A Dime

Great Ideas For Ways To Advertise, Market And Promote Your Antique Business For Free

Why pay for advertising for your antique business or online store when you can get so much free publicity and buzz for free? As the editor of I Antique Online.com, the largest social network on antiques and collectibles I have learned quite a lot about how to promote and market an antique store or internet based business.

Here are some really good ideas for you to consider when coming up with a media plan for your antique business.

Ten Ways To Promote Your Antique Business For Free

1. Join I Antique Online.com where you will be in the company of over 7000 other members who buy , sell and collect antiques and collectibles.This site is FREE and has over 180 collector group forums and over 40,000 photographs of antiques and collectibles.

2. Start a blog about antiques and collectibles. I prefer blogger.com because it is owned by Google and I am treated very well! Blogs are a super way to bring traffic to your website, store, online business.

3. Submit articles as a guest writer to online websites that specialize in reference articles and content building, such as http://www.squidoo.com/ .

4. Be an expert author on a topic that you are passionate about. Consider writing for http://ezinearticles.com/

5. Contribute articles to AOl's new hyper local news sites called Patch.com.
Look up your local Patch.com

6. Submit news stories and feature articles to newspapers and magazines that cater to the antique's market, such as Antique Weekly, Antique Trader, New England Antique Journal, Southeastern Antiquing, Collector News etc.

7. Offer to write articles for your local town newspaper.

8. Exchange blog links with other blogs that specialize in the same kind of antiques and collectibles that you adore.

9. Use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Social Networks to promote your shop or online business.

10. Send out free press releases on press release distribution sites such as http://news-antique.com/


Photos courtesy of Farm Village Antiques, West Simsbury, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Antique Social Network : I Antique With Photos

How An Antique Business Can Use Photographs Online

Did you know that you can get a lot of bang out of your buck by using "photographs" to promote your antique and collectibles business? Here is the scoop, as Editor of i Antique Online.com, one of my jobs is to review photographs posted to the site by the over 7000 members who now belong to I Antique Online.com.

How To "Feature" Photos Online

After a member uploads their photos to their "My Page", as editor, I have the option to "feature" their photo which allows their photos to run in an automatic photo slideshow on the front or Main page of I Antique Online.com.

Uploading Photos On I Antique Online.com

Uploading photos to i Antique Online.com, the largest social network on antiques and collectibles is FREE. Thousands and thousands of viewers watch the revolving photo slideshow each day on the site. I also keep adding new photos several times a day and taking off older photos so the show is fresh and exciting.

Using Good Photos Of Antiques And Collectibles On Social Networks

So if you really want to buy or sell an antiques , collectibles, or art, this is a great option for you. But I have to tell you that I am picky about what makes it to the slide show. Photos have to be clear, a close up, without writing or dates. Also, the object should be interesting and not be a photograph of bric a brac or though I do love KITSCH!

Photos courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/goodlookin

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

I Antique On Social Networks

I Antique On The Road And Also From The Comfort Of My Own Home


I Antique all the time wherever I go... on the way to a family gathering, on route to a wedding, while out grocery shopping. I mean you never know when you will bump into a good tag sale or a new shop or an established Antique Mall. While my husband is busy programming his GPS (an invention I hate), I am calculating how I can get off the beaten path (suggested by the GPS) and discover some new antique haunts not necessarily on the computer's map. I sit next to my husband co pilot equipped with hand written notes, newspaper clippings and brochures that I have accumulated over the years. Good-bye GPS, hello my nose for antique shops.

Can Your Find Good Junk With A GPS?

If you really love going antiquing.... than using a GPS with a planned out route could be a problem for free spirited antique travelers. If you are like me, you have to be flexible enough to stop at all and any junk depots. And using a GPS with a planned out route could kill the thrill of getting lost in antique paradise.

I Antique in my sleep and when I am home I Antique at I Antique Online.com, the largest social network on antiques and collectibles. As I said earlier, I Antique all the time! Back to going antiquing in my car.

Now I am sure there will be those of you who point out to me that a GPS could be helpful in pointing out some shops along the way as it does for gas stations, Dunkin Donut locations, hotels etc. BUT when it comes to people like me who live to go antiquing.......a GPS is not the answer. We need to discover those hole in the wall places or yard sales that only those of us with a nose for a good joint or haunt will .

I Antique From The Comfort Of My Own Home

Now let's say that you are out shopping all day or all weekend and that you come home empty handed? It's a real let down isn't it? But there is a solution....you can antique ONLINE. That is what I do I sit down at my computer and I Antique Online at I Antique Online.com (my website).Come join me, you will love antiquing from the comfort of your own home!

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

The Best Blogs About Antiques And Collectibles Are Now Featured on I Antique Online.com

Blogs About Antiques And Collectibles Listed On I Antique Online.com

I Antique Online.com is what I would call a super-sized Antique blog. Think of I Antique Online.com as the BIG BOX of the best antique blogs. As a social network dedicated to folks who buy, sell and collect antiques, collectibles and art, I Antique Online.com is the place to find every imaginable blog out there related to antiques and collectibles.

Antique Blogs Is Where To Find Articles, News,

As you know, blogging is where the action is. More and more print newspapers are switching to online websites to feature news, articles and information. And I Antique Online.com is now the premiere place for collectors in every area to get the scoop on what is hot and what is not.

What Antique Blogs Interest You?

So if you are looking to learn more about a particular antique or collectible, check out the BLOGS on I Antique Online.com.

Feature Your Antique Blog On The Main Page of I Antique Online.com

When you join I Antique Online.com (FREE) you can add your business or personal blog to the blog directory on the Main page of the I Antique Online.com website.

Members of the site have linked all kinds of interesting and informative blogs about antiques, collectibles and art in a variety of places on the I Antique Online.com social network site.

Target Your Antique Blog To Collector Groups

Besides blogs featured on the main page, members can add their blog feeds to their member profile pages and in any of the over 185 collector groups. You will find antique blogs on jewelry, Pyrex, toys, kitchen collectibles, pottery, cottage collectibles, vintage clothing, business, snow domes, junk, ephemera, textiles, antiquing, auctions, ceramics, kitsch. retro, Mid Century, Victorian ETC.

Some of The Blogs You Will Find On

I Antique Online.com Blog Directory

Kitsch n Stuff
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/

Alcoholic Outsider Artist

http://www.alcoholicoutsiderartist.blogspot.com/

Antiques And Teacups

http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/

Antiques Galore Gal
http://antiquesgaloregal.blogspot.com/

Avaricia's Deadly Sinful Stuff And Vintage Millinery
http://avariciavintagemillineryflowers.blogspot.com/

Bev's Antiquing, Schlepping, Schlogging $ Writing
http://bevsschlog.blogspot.com/

Bidbits
http://www.bidbits.net/

Books And Unusuals
http://booksandunusuals.com/BandUBlog

Cobayley
http://cobayley.blogspot.com/
Collectible Treasures Blog
http://www.collectibletreasuresblog.com/

Country Joes Blog
http://countryjoesblog.com

Deb's Great Finds And Deals Blog News

http://debkwek.blogspot.com/

EdibleComplex on Etsy

http://zeediblecomplex.wordpress.com/

Janet's Creative Pillows

http://www.janetscreativepillows.blogspot.com/

La Boutique Francais Blog
http://laboutiquefrancais.blogspot.com/

Lakeshore Art and Antiques

http://www.lakeshoreartandantiques.blogspot.com/

LilacsNDreams
http://www.LilacsNDreams.blogspot.com

Lisas Creative Designs
http://blog.lisascreativedesigns.com

Luv2LuvAntiques A Vintage 'Picker' With A Passion's blog

http://diane-mc.blogspot.com/

Luv2LuvAntiques.com's blog

http://luv2luvantiques.blogspot.com/

Mom Wald's Place

http://momwaldsplace.blogspot.com/

News & Research on Antiques & Auctions

http://blogandsurf.blogspot.com/

Nothingnew.ecrater.com

http://nothingnew2u.blogspot.com/

Old Fashioned Charm.Com's blog

http://oldfashionedcharm.blogspot.com/

Out Of The Attic 2u
http://outoftheattic2u.blogspot.com/

Patty's Collectibles & Antiques
http://www.pattyscollectibles-antiques.com/osc/wp

Pickles On Pizza
www.picklesonpizza.blogspot.com

RC's Treasure Hunts & More
http://rcantiques-rcstreasurehuntsmore.blogspot.com/

ReBop Shop
http://rebopshop.blogspot.com/

Sandwich Antique Mart

http://sandwichantiquemart.blogspot.com/

The Elegant Recycler
http://theelegantrecycler.blogspot.com

The Vintage Crows Nest.Com's blog

http://thevintagecrowsnest.blogspot.com/

The Vintage List
http://thevintagelist.blogspot.com

Time Was Antiques Family Blog
http://timewasantiquesfamily.blogspot.com/
Vintage & Modern Unite
http://vintageandmodernunite.blogspot.com/

Vintage Country Cottage.Com Blog

http://vintagecountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Vintage Goodness
http://www.vintagegoodness.com

Visuals By Vickie

http://www.visualsbyvickie.blogspot.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Visitng "Vintage To Vogue" In Putnam, CT: In The Heart Of The Putnam Antique District

"Vintage To Vogue": A Shop For Kitchen Collectibles In Putnam, Connecticut

Thought I would share with you some photos from my visit to "Vintage to Vogue Shops" in Putnam, CT. Once a Montgomery Ward store, this old building now is home to a fabulous retro-vintage shop loaded with exceptional collectibles, gifts, home decor and more.

Vintage Kitchen-wares

Of course, I am always attracted to shops with kitchen collectibles and so I was pleasantly surprised to discover a new shop with my kind of stuff! Once I stepped inside "Vintage to Vogue" a corner store at 112 Main Street in the heart of the Putnam antique shopping district, I was thrilled to find delightful colorful displays of vintage kitchen mixing bowls, teapots, piichers, glassware, advertising, textiles, appliances, mixers, canisters, cookie jars etc.

Cottage Collectibles

You will not only find lots of wonderful vintage housewares, but also a beautiful section of cottage style home accessories and floral decor. This is a really lovely store that kitschy kitchen collectors will adore.

By the way, you will also fall in love with their old fashioned candy shoppe in the front of the store.

Vintage To Vogue
112 Main St.
Putnam, CT
860-963-7725


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists